<p>This one school will give me $15,000 but even with that it would still cost $18,000. They really want me there. The admissions counselor calls me at least once a month since they asked me to go there in June. Then when I visited the school and introduced myself she was like "you're from (insert town here) and we chatted for awhile. All of this makes me think they want me and I want them. Plus I wanted to do a shadow visit, but this school does not do that, but she emailed me saying that she was talking to the admissions director to see if something similar can be done. All of this makes me think they want me but I can go to state schools that are just as good for less money but I really like this school so can I email the admissions counselor and ask if it is possible for me to receive more money?</p>
<p>Sure but be prepared to state your case…</p>
<p>Are you a transfer student?</p>
<p>Was the $15k an academic merit scholarship or is it need-based aid?</p>
<p>What school is this?</p>
<p>I’m kind of confused about the timing of this? If you are applying for freshman year 2011-12 you normally don’t have to choose until May 1, 2011. Or are you some kind of recruited athlete? Or is this ED?</p>
<p>If it’s an ED application, the conventional wisdom is that it’s a bad idea to apply ED if you need financial aid because it limits you from getting other offers which you can compare.</p>
<p>In any case, if it’s possible, apply to a bunch of places and for scholarships. If you get any you may be able to use them as leverage with the school you want to go to. DS had a full ride to a state school and when he showed it to the school he wanted to go to they found a bit more grant money for him. (Even schools that don’t officially negotiate might be willing to “review” your financial aid if they want you enough.)</p>